Norse vs Cats...perfect match-up in retrospect.

Norse vs Cats...perfect match-up in retrospect.

After NKU played UK so competitively last night, what did they accomplish that would not have been accomplished against the other #2 seesds (Duke, Arizona, and to a lesser extent Louisville)?

My initial thoughts include:
1). Program exposure that arguably would have been significantly less for any other #2 seed. The benefits here are unlimited and include rejuvenating alumni interest, program support financially, ticket sales, student body support, and perhaps opening recruiting doors previously closed.
2). Demonstrated that the differential between mid-major and top-tier D1 programs might not be that vast on "a given game day".
3). Resulted in the Norse showing an unrelenting effort and hustle against a superior talent level. Thought their game was a major display of a well coached "Team".
4). Displayed that UK has weaknesses that can make them much more vulnerable to a bigger, athletic opponnent.

Downside:
1). Created an awareness and respect for Coach Brannen that might make his stay shorter than we all want.

In all the interviews, Norse players expressed their excitement of playing UK. After playing so competitively, got to have made themselves proud they could play with the Big Cats. Ky high school elites got to look at Norse in a different light.